KOTA KINABALU, 15 October 2025- Tough Mountain and Trail Runners from 27 countries are gearing up for the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, set to take place on 19 October 2025. The race will flag off at Kinabalu Park, a site recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark.
Participants will run through a 24.5-kilometre course, consisting of a 12.25km ascent toward the 4,095.2m (13,435 feet above sea level) summit of Mount Kinabalu, followed by a 12.25km technical descent that pushes runners to their physical limits. Strict cutoff times have been set by the organiser, making this race a true test of endurance.
Recognised globally as one of the most demanding high-altitude mountain races, this year’s edition will feature 20 elite skyrunners from the Skyrunner® World Series, competing alongside international and Malaysian runners. Due to trail safety and capacity requirements set by Sabah Parks, participation has been strictly capped at 250 runners. All runners were carefully selected based on their verified mountain and trail running profiles, ensuring that only qualified and experienced athletes take on this challenge.
The Climbathon will welcome strong participation from 27 countries, consisting of Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Austria, Brunei, China, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), France, Great Britain, Hong Kong SAR (China), Iceland, India, Italy, Macau SAR (China), Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United States of America, and Vietnam, forming a truly international competition field.
Timpohon Run 2025 – The Day Before Climbathon:
On 18 October 2025, a day before the Climbathon, the Timpohon Run 2025 will take place as a prelude to the main event. Open to runners of all levels, the 9.8 km route begins at Kinabalu Park Main Gate, passes the Timpohon Gate and Mempening Trails, and finishes at Kinabalu Hall. Participants will experience the beauty of the UNESCO Global Geopark while testing their endurance on a challenging yet accessible route. The Timpohon Run aims to promote health, fitness, and community participation, and all runners are encouraged to join in this thrilling mountain adventure.
Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board, Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, highlighted:
“The Climbathon for this year’s edition will see the return of last year’s defending champions: Walter Herman, winner of the Men’s Elite Category, and Daved Simpat, winner of the Men’s Veteran Category, both from Sabah, Malaysia, along with Sandi Menchi Abahan from the Philippines, winner of the Women’s Elite Category, heightening the level of competition. In 2007, Kilian Jornet Burgada set a record-breaking time of 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 10 seconds in the Men’s Elite Category, a benchmark that remains unbeaten today. Among the elite runners to watch this year is Luca De Pero from Italy, currently ranked No. 1 in the Skyrunner® World Series 2025, and Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna from Russia, ranked No. 3 in the Skyrunner® World Series 2025 in the Women’s Elite Category. In the Men’s Veteran Category, strong Sabahan contenders such as Saprey Sumping (2nd place, Elite Race – Men Veteran Category 2024) and Milton Amat (3rd place, Elite Race – Elite Men Category 2024) will be vying for the title alongside fellow Sabahan Daved Simpat, making this category one of the most highly anticipated showdowns of the event.
He added, “The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon continues to be one of Sabah’s most recognised international sporting events. It not only brings global attention to Mount Kinabalu, but it also encourages visitors to stay longer, explore our communities, and support Sabah’s local tourism economy. This event symbolises endurance, unity, and our pride in Sabah’s natural heritage.”
The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is part of the prestigious Skyrunner® World Series (SWS) and is officially registered with the International Trail Running Association (ITRA). This recognition allows participants to earn international ranking points for major global mountain races, further positioning Sabah as a premier international trail running destination.
Since its inception in 1987, the Climbathon has celebrated endurance, resilience, and Sabah’s adventurous spirit. Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, the 20th tallest mountain in the world by topographic prominence, the race continues to attract international acclaim and attention.
This event is organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Parks. It is fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, and as part of the lead-up to the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. The event is made possible through strong partnerships with BigBigPlace, K2, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Truly Borneo Tours & Events, ALTRA, ZEAK, Evenesis (Event Registration Technology), Arus Foods, and Gretel (Race Strategy Technology).
The public is invited to witness the flag-off ceremony at 6:30 AM on 19 October 2025 at Kinabalu Park, to be officiated by YBhg Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah.
For more information about Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, visit the official website at www.climbathon.com.my and @hellosabahmy on Instagram and Facebook.
